I have an image of my Grandfathers bike in the Syrian Desert during WW2. There doesn't seem to be any identification on the bike other than the word 'Ivy' painted on the front mudguard. Ivy was what he named his bike. Is there anyone who I could email the image to who may be able to provide me with a bit more info on the bike and may be able see some identification that I cannot?

Cheers
Craig

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

Hello Craig & welcome here,

Why don't you post this picture on the forum? Lots of specialists here, and the interesting thing is that we all have our own speciality.

If you don't know how to post a picture here, send it to my email address and I'll post it for you.

Cheers,
Jan

email (option): wd.register@gmail.com

I have emailed it to you as I am not sure how to post an image on the website
Thanks

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

Picture received Craig, here it is:



Well, for a starter I can tell you that this is a BSA M20. Looks like 1944-ish. I'm sure some people on this forum will be able to tell you more...

Cheers,
Jan

email (option): wd.register@gmail.com

Thank you very much Jan, and Thanks for the Welcome.

I hope someone can help me out and maybe give me lots of information

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

Spent some time in Syria and the long street Soukh in Damascus, with its Roman Stone remains, was a place that your Grandfather walked through for sure....

email (option): unpob@yahoo.com

Thanks Henri,
I will need to look at that I wonder how it has changed in the last 60 years?

As for the bike, what would have happened to my Grandfather's bike after the war?

(Yes I am holding out for that 10 million to 1 shot that it may be out there somewhere)

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

strange that it isnt sand coloured there is the beginings of a C number on the tank a 3 or a 5 the reflection on the sun is blocking it out what regiment was he in as to what happened to the bike scrapped/ ridden to death by the locals after the war stripped for spares and if it was lucky some one restored it and it running about somewhere but without the C number it is imppossible to find out which

Ah yes I can see that C on the tank. What does the 'C' represent?

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

It'd be nice to know the C number. Mine is also a '44 with a C number of 5551417 and I'm also looking for the million to one chance of a wartime photo

email (option): lee@twowheelstested.co.uk

Hi Lee,

Your bike could be in this photo, some show their C number and one is C5557017, pretty close to yours.

I can send you the scan I have on the computer if you want, it can be enlarged pretty big and shows lots of detail of these bikes. Your bike was probably pretty much the same.

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

Lee - What does the C number represent is it a chassis number or is it assigned to the rider?
If it is assigned to the rider, there must be a record somewhere?

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

Another "close match":



The "C number" is the military "Census Number", a unique number that was allotted to every military vehicle. The C stands for (motor)Cycle, T is for Tanks, L is for Lorries, A is for Ambulances etc.

Jan

email (option): wd.register@gmail.com

Nice one! The explanation makes perfect sense.
I wonder if there would be a record of which C number was assigned to each individual rider? However i'm sure you guys would have come across that by now.

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

It's nothing to do with the rider! Re-read Jan's post. He explains it. See if you can buy a copy of 'British Forces Motorcycles 1925-45'
Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Ron, I actually posted that before Jans explanation, if you look at the times of the posts it will confirm. No idea why it has posted them in the opposite order.

Anyway, Thanks i'm going to have a wee look for that book!

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

Yes it can be annoying when that happens! I think it's when someone is reading 'Recent Posts'? Then they can jump in-between? But a lot of queries can be answered with that book and there are tables of census numbers at the back. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi Henk. Is the pic on your PC higher-res than the one on your disc or is it the same? If it's higher, I'd love a copy so I have have a good look at all the detail.

Jan, If you've got a copy of the production line pic complete with that coloured border/info to the right, I'd love a copy and will happily buy you a beer at the Arrowmanche 70th anniversary celebrations in exchange! I'm sure the wife will love a framed copy of it on top of the tv......

Craig, copies of the WD bible can fetch a quid or two, but I managed to order a copy from the library for nowt and found a great deal of info that I didn't know about. If you've any more info re your Grandfathers bike, I'll happily take a look for you. Keep looking for the C number.....

email (option): lee@twowheelstested.co.uk

I've just sent you some pictures Lee!

Cheers,
Jan

email (option): wd.register@gmail.com

Cheers Guys I will have a look at that book, not sure if there are any more images of the bike hidden away somewhere but I will have a look!

email (option): craighoy89@gmail.com

Thanks Jan. My favorite picture has to be the lady making shell fuses with that nice big hammer!

email (option): lee@twowheelstested.co.uk

Mine is C5552192 so pretty close too! Maybe mine is in a box there also. I wonder where they were being sent to?

email (option): andrew.honychurch@btinternet.com